Thursday, July 4th, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET in High Definition. (check local listings)

America's favorite Independence Day celebration will feature unrivaled performances from some of the country's best-known musical artists, topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation. Twenty television cameras will be stationed around Washington, D.C. to capture the sights and sounds of the concert, making at-home viewers feel like they are front and center for the show.

This year’s “A Capitol Fourth” on PBS welcomes back host Tom Bergeron, the two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality (“Dancing With the Stars”), and stars music legend Barry Manilow. Back by popular demand following his powerful debut performance on the show in 2009, Manilow will lead an all-star cast, including Candice Glover, the Season 12 winner of “American Idol;” country music artist and “American Idol” winner Scotty McCeery; actor and singer Darren Criss (“Glee”); musical prodigy and classical crossover star Jackie Evancho; Broadway and television star Megan Hilty (“Smash”); Broadway’s new hit “Motown The Musical;” and five-time Academy Award-winner John Williams conducting music from the Oscar-winning blockbuster “Lincoln,” with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

In celebration of America’s 237th birthday, the show will be capped off with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by The United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and now an “A Capitol Fourth” tradition. Also participating in the event will be The Choral Arts Society of Washington, along with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, Members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial flags and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.